More than 300 charitable guests gathered for Family Support Services’ Ruby Affair at the Columns in St. Charles. This annual dinner and auction was held in celebration of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County (DDRB). For thirty-two years, the Board has served individuals and families living with and impacted by developmental disabilities by offering quality opportunities to ensure inclusion in society. Family Support Services is one of many organizations that receive financial support from the Board.
Attendees bid on romantic bed and breakfast stays, ruby jewelry, a wine tasting experience, and coveted tickets to national sporting events. All proceeds benefited the programs of Family Support Services; committed to providing quality recreational, respite, and educational opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities.
5/15/2009
Album ID: 767772
Photos by Carla Falasco
Beyond Housing: An African Affair
20 photos
for sale
Bola and Benjamin Akande hosted “An African Affair” in their spacious Town and Country Home to benefit Beyond Housing, a leader in foreclosure intervention services and trained counseling services provided free of charge. Board president Richard Ryffel welcomed the 45 guests and thanked all whose support will enable the nonprofit to strengthen neighborhoods, one family at a time.
Chris Krehmeyer, president/CEO noted that, over the long term, Beyond Housing’s homeownership training programs can help families avoid getting in over their heads. “The best prevention is to know what you’re getting into and knowing how you will handle it if things start to go badly,” he said. “When people lose their homes, neighborhoods decline and communities suffer,” Krehmeyer added. “Your partnership with us will help us work to resolve this crisis as quickly as possible.”
The unique cultural reception and dinner featured 12 exotic African cuisines and a silent auction of designer African outfits. Caph Guei and Diandie Bathily wowed the guests with their dynamic dancing and drumbeats, and included the audience in rhythmic participation.
5/15/2009
Album ID: 767699
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Old Newsboys Day – Campaign Kick-off
21 photos
for sale
Old Newsboys Day, a Suburban Journals charitable project, celebrated their 2009 campaign kick-off in 50’s style at Ronnie’s 20 Cine. Guests were seated in the venue’s quirky car booth tables where they enjoyed diner favorites, classic cocktails and popcorn tubs filled with movie theatre candy.
This evening was hosted by 2009 Old Newsboys Day Chairpersons Ronald and Midge Krueger at his namesake movie theater.
A special promotional video was shown on the big screen featuring the campaign and Project Backpack, just one of the many charities that receive funding from Old Newsboys Day. To cap the night, a screening of Angel’s & Demons was previewed to the eager crowd.
5/14/2009
Album ID: 767806
Photos by Carla Falasco
Women of Achievement - Awards Luncheon
30 photos
for sale
A trumpet fanfare heralded the entrance of the 2009 Women of Achievement before 773 guests in The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom. Leading the procession were chair Bess Wilfong, co-chair Gwendolyn Packnett, president Glenn Sheffield, and decorations chair Joan Quicksilver. Carol Daniel of KMOV’s ‘Great Day Saint Louis’ morning TV show returned as emcee, and presenting sponsors were Suburban Journals, KMOX Radio and Ladue News.
Honored for their exemplary leadership and volunteerism were the women of the day: Joan Berkman, Susan Block, Arlen Chaleff, Susie Knopf, Amanda Murphy, Noémi Neidorff, Cheryl Polk, Deidre Pujols, Norma Stern and Gin Wachter.
5/12/2009
Album ID: 766036
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Places for People – Moonrise Hotel
29 photos
for sale
Guests gathered for the liftoff of the Moonrise Hotel and fundraising fete benefiting Places for People, an agency dedicated to serving adults with serious mental disorders. This special evening included cosmic inspired cuisine, moonpie desserts, cocktails, and musical performances that were out of this world.
The Moonrise sits majestically in The Loop and has already stirred attention from travelers and design junkies nationwide. Crowing jewel of this fantastical building is the world’s largest rotating replica moon, which sits on the rooftop patio bar.
Owner Joe Edwards, a longtime supporter of Places for People, offered “There isn’t a better cause in the St. Louis region. Places for People changes lives every single day. Their dedication to helping the mentally ill is unwavering.” Edwards’ other entertainment venues include Loop hotspots like The Pageant and Pin-Up-Bowl.
Places for People makes it possible for those living with mental illness to work and socialize independently. They provide housing assistance, medical care, money management, substance abuse treatment, and many other support services to 480 individuals in metro St. Louis.
5/9/2009
Album ID: 769308
Photos by Carla Falasco
Opera Theatre of St. Louis 09 SpringGala
33 photos
for sale
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis celebrated the opening of the 34th festival season and a new production of John Corigliano’s “The Ghost of Versailles.” Royally dressed in black tie regalia, guests gathered at the Sally S. Levy Opera Center, where they enjoyed a French dinner, musical selections from three of 2009’s principal singers: Alyson Cambridge, Timothy Mix and Derek Taylor, followed by dancing.
General director Timothy O’Leary expressed heartfelt thanks to gala chair Cathy Berges and co-chair Veronica McDonnell, the underwriters, donors, staff, Spencer Burke and board of directors. In his 28th season, Stephen Lord serves as music director with James Robinson, the artistic director.
Gala proceeds will benefit the company’s professional development for young artists, programs for Gerdine Young Artists, Behind the Curtain theater artisans, and educational programs that reach more than 11,000 children and 4,000 adults each year.
5/9/2009
Album ID: 769286
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
41 photos
for sale
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - St. Louis Chapter brought New Orleans to the Kemp Auto Museum where beaded revelers were greeted with refreshing Hurricanes and the soulful sounds of the Funky Butt Brass Band.
This vivacious spectacle kicked off with colorful cocktails, mimes, high-end silent and live auctions, and bayou-inspired hors d'oeurvres, all under a glass-domed tent. Russo's Gourmet Catering presented such Southern favorites as mini crab cakes in a remoulade sauce with jalapeno corn muffins, and the Fabulous Motown Revue kept the crowd rolling well into the evening.
Russell Kinsaul, KMOV-TV anchor and investigative reporter, welcomed guests as they were seated. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of the Diabetes Champion Award to Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones, a moving tribute in memory of Tiffany Souers, a devoted and missed JDRF volunteer, and the recognition of honoree Arnold Donald, philanthropist and former president and chief executive officer of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International.
Laura Fraley and Connie Kurowski served as event co-chairs, and Doug Yaeger, chairman and CEO of Laclede Gas, was honorary chair.
"Thanks to a fabulous committee, board, and staff who did all the right things at the right times we had an event that pushed fundraising to an all new high for our chapter," said Marie Davis, executive director. These 625 special guests raised $900,000 for much needed Type 1 (or juvenile) diabetes research.
5/9/2009
Album ID: 767810
Photos by Carla Falasco
Springboard – Come to the Cabaret Gala
22 photos
for sale
Springboard’s annual fundraising gala was held at the elegant and historic Saint Louis Woman’s Club featuring cocktails, a gourmet seated dinner, and a lively preview performance by Casual Cabaret, which will run at the Kranzberg Arts Center in Grand Center. The performance held “a little something for everyone,” said Stellie Siteman, Casual Cabaret director and Springboard teaching artist. Carol and Tom Voss, president and CEO of Ameren UE, were honorary chairs of this event.
All proceeds from the event will allow Springboard to continue providing arts and cultural integration programs in underserved city and county schools. Springboard’s programming inspires their audiences to embrace knowledge and new experiences that broaden their horizons. Springboard is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers more than 177 unique educational programs to close to 78,000 students in metro St. Louis.
5/8/2009
Album ID: 769323
Photos by Carla Falasco
Grand Center’s VISIONARY AWARDS 2009
24 photos
for sale
Vince Schoemehl, president and CEO of Grand Center and Peg Weathers, executive VP, welcomed guests to the 7th Visionary Awards at the Sheldon, honoring women dedicated to advancing the arts in Saint Louis. Jewelry creator Diane Katzman presented a first-time gift of her elegant bracelets to each honoree and Dorothy Bell of Brown Shoe gifted each woman with a classy pair of shoes.
This year’s honorees (selected by peers and the community) are: Donna Wilkinson, president’s award; Carol Staenberg, Edna Patterson Petty, Jessica Hentoff, Nicole Lemkemeier, Roseann Weiss, and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Judith Aronson.
The assembly proceeded to the Concert Hall where board chairman Ken Kranzberg congratulated the honorees and thanked all who orchestrated the event.
Entertainment was provided by an artist, Zach Borichevsky from Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, who sang a selection from “La boheme”, accompanied by Curt Pajer, and the Bare Naked Statues – a SLU men’s a capella group.
5/6/2009
Album ID: 767764
Photos by Margaret Rambo
Care and Counseling Benefit Dinner
30 photos
for sale
Executive director, the Rev. Dale Kuhn, welcomed 273 guests to the Visitor’s Center at Forest Park for a Care and Counseling Cinco de Mayo benefit. “Just as the Mexicans celebrated their victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, so we share with our clients their victories as they overcome their challenges,” emphasized Kuhn. “Our interfaith and quality psycho-therapy programs also enable us to address the personal and spiritual life of faith for our clients, and provide high-quality affordable counseling at a cost they can manage,” Kuhn added.
Kuhn commended the dedicated staff who served 13,000 people this past year in 8 locations. Because of their sacrifice, creativity and professionalism, while maintaining the high quality of economic services, the staff was presented with the 2009 Heart of Care and Counseling Award by Bob Cranston, chairman of the Board of Directors.
The event’s festivities were co-chaired by Betsy Douglass and the Rev. Blythe Denham Kieffer, assisted by Mittie Bond, Maureen Herr, Liz Watkins and Christine Vancil.
